A new model of the Great Western 57xx class pannier tank locomotives incorporating the ability to recreate detail differences between the members of this large class. The different cab roof and rivetted or welded tank construction can be reproduced, while the chassis incorporates a 6-pin DCC decoder socket. Dapol magnetic couplers and standard N gauge couplers are supplied along with a bag of spares and fine details for futher optional detailing.
The side mounted pannier tank design engines were a distinctive feature of the GWR, offering the ability to utilise the efficient belpaire firebox while retaining access to the cylinders, rods and valve gear between the frames without a significant loss of water capacity. Developed from the older designs of saddle tank, many of which had been adapted with pannier tanks to accomodate new belpaire boilers, a small number of GWR 57xx class locomotives sold to London Transport were the last steam locomotives to work 'in service' on the national railway network.